Boulder Daily Picture

March 27, 2009

2009-03-27T14:35:00.003-06:00

Band Shell at Central Park.

We have lots of fun festivals each year and this bandshell is host to many local bands. Great to sit out and listen to the music and watch the people dancing.

(I am posting sporadically right now. Back on daily soon. Thanks all!!!!!)

March 23, 2009

2009-03-23T11:49:00.001-06:00

March 22, 2009

2009-03-22T12:47:00.002-06:00

Moe's Bagels, Arapahoe Avenue, A Boulder "Institution"!

This is a very warm, friendly bagel shop that everyone in town goes to for their bagels. The owners are super-friendly and the food is great. Kids love it too, because its so colorful and they give away lots of free flower stickers.

March 21, 2009

2009-03-21T18:53:00.005-06:00

The End of Winter Season

This old washbasin of mine is filled with limbs of the old Christmas tree, twigs from the trail, pinecones from the forest floor and fallen bark from trees......all contents of the wonderful winter and the findings along the way. We would pick something up, and add it to the washbasin.

Now that Spring is here, it's time to turn this basin back into is Warm Season purpose: My Son's Sand Box. I will go to the hardware store, buy a big bag of sand, fill it with shovels and pails and plastic dinousaurs. My son will play in it for hours on sunny, warm days.

(and I believe a nice, a new rug is in order this summer, too!)

March 20, 2009

2009-03-20T09:49:00.002-06:00

Handpainted Tile at Shambhala Mountain Center

One man makes and paints and installs these tiles all over the center.

Its beautiful as a whole but also close up like this.

I just love the combination of colors and textures and lines.

March 19, 2009

2009-03-19T14:49:00.005-06:00

The Car Wash (from the inside!)

One of my 3 year olds favorite activities is to go to the automatic car wash after we get gas. Fortunately, we have the kind of weather that warrants a frequent wash. ;)

As we sat, shrieking with delight, as the Monster washed us clean, I grabbed my camera and took this shot.

March 18, 2009

2009-03-18T17:51:00.002-06:00

Valmont Butte

This "hill" is a controversial site here in town.

It is considered by many Native Americans to be a sacred place. Allegedly the gravesite of many Indian leaders, a place for sacred rituals and a former home of a sweat lodge used in religious ceremonies. Now the place has been reduced to a contaminated (radioactive materials) hill surrounded by industrial mines, etc.

The fight by Native Americans to return this sacred site to their tribes and the allocation of monies to clean up the soil has been locked in a bitter battle for years.

It breaks my heart each time I pass it as it reminds me of how many sites across our country were stolen from the Native Americans as Europeans moved in to claim this "free" land for their own.

March 17, 2009

2009-03-17T16:51:00.002-06:00

Happy St. Patric(ia)'s Day?

This nice lady was in our St Pattys Day Parade on Sunday.

Boulder is home to the "World's Shortest St Patty's Day Parade" - it goes for one block! Don't blink, or you'll miss it!

March 16, 2009

2009-03-16T14:20:00.005-06:00

Tis the Season...for the Birds and the Bees and the Ducks (?) :)

I saw this pair 'househunting' while on my walk this morning.

I will be on the lookout for their ducklings in the near future.

March 13, 2009

2009-03-13T11:02:00.002-06:00

The Great Stupa, Shambhala Mountain Center

near Red Feather Lakes, CO.

(this picture is from last Fall but I wanted to feature it here.)
My son and I drove the 2 hours from Boulder, into the mountains, to this peaceful and zen Buddhist center. We spent an entire afternoon walking the grounds, sitting inside the Stupa meditating and walking the circumference (clockwise) in order to see the intricate carvings of the building. Much of the work was done by one man by hand! My son was 2-1/2 at the time, a squirmy age, but I was amazed at how he seemed to understand that this was a place to be quiet and listen.

Here is to a Peaceful weekend to All!!!

March 11, 2009

2009-03-11T13:37:00.004-06:00

Mural of Pearl Street Mall

This mural which is on a building on Pearl Street Mall depicts our wonderful outdoor mall. It runs for several blocks, with amazing view of the Flatirons, and has the most stunning array of tulips each spring.

We love to wander up and down the mall.

Every Halloween, the shops have candy for all the trick or treaters in town and in the spring and summer, local bands set up and play free concerts for passersby.

March 9, 2009

2009-03-09T12:15:00.008-06:00

Father and Son

This is my son's father giving him his very first lesson in rock climbing. He has a full body harness and helmet for safety (and a Mom standing inches away!) It was really fun to see my son trying something like this. He has never shown a lot of fear, so he goes for things like this. He only climbed a few feet at first - more to give him the experience of the equipment. As he gets older and more knowledgeable, he and his Dad can climb some of the easy simple things in our area.

March 7, 2009

2009-03-07T15:15:00.002-07:00

Hiking out of NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) on the way to the Front Porch...you always see this dead and twisted tree. Its so beautiful to me! It stands apart and really looks like a sculpture.

March 4, 2009

2009-03-04T14:09:00.004-07:00

Lost and Found on the Cottonwood Trail?

I was taking a walk down my favorite little trail yesterday and spotted this rather 'crusty' old jacket on the post. Looked like someone wore it for many many years. And now, it's just blowing in the wind. I wonder who the owner was and if they loved this jacket.

Funny thing, jackets...they do have a way of growing on you--becoming beloved and cherished for years.

You find yourself saying,

"Where is my jacket? Oh gosh, I love that jacket, I hope I didn't lose it!"

My favorite jacket is an apple green down coat from North Face.

What is your favorite jacket and could you part with it if you had to? ;)

March 3, 2009

2009-03-03T10:27:00.001-07:00

March 2, 2009

2009-03-02T15:01:00.002-07:00

Sprrrrinnnggg has Sprrrrunnnng!

I saw these crocus on my way to lunch!

I noticed a bee having his lunch on the flower, already!

March 1, 2009

2009-03-01T11:55:00.004-07:00

March Theme Day: Glass

Lighting Plus Store, Boulder

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Febraury 28, 2009

2009-02-28T10:40:00.002-07:00

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

February 27, 2009

2009-02-27T11:12:00.005-07:00

Rest in Peace

Today is the last edition of the Pulitzer-prize winning paper,

The Rocky Mountain News.

Considered to be one of the finest papers in our country

since it began printing 150 years ago.

Due to this economic crisis and the evolution of media to online and tv, this beautiful paper had to stop its presses today and lay off the entire staff.

I wish those people the very best.

February 26, 2009

2009-02-26T12:26:00.004-07:00

Dot's Diner, The Hill

One of my favorite places to eat is this funky, artsy, hole-in-a-wall diner near the CU campus.

I ate there today and got my favorite dish: Greek Eggs with garlic, tomatoes, spinach and feta cheese.

The waiters and cooks are great characters and the art on the walls is always quirky and local.

Got to love a diner!!!!!!

February 24, 2009

2009-02-24T09:21:00.002-07:00

The drive into town.

This is Hwy 36 that leads straight into Boulder.

It gives you a great view of the Flatirons and Foothills.

This town is filled with rock climbers that have plotted out many different kinds of routes on these rocks.

The rocks all have names too, like: The Front Porch, The Slab, Angel's Way, The Devil's Thumb, etc.....

February 23, 2009

2009-02-23T09:41:00.003-07:00

Frasca Restaurant.

This wonderful restaurant is on Pearl Street in Boulder.

This beautiful metal barrier(s) line the outside of the restaurant. I love the etching/stencil.

February 22, 2009

2009-02-22T14:55:00.003-07:00

And now for something completely different...

The Hamburger Chair.

I took my son for a burger the other day and the kids room was filled with chairs like this. He thought it was great fun.

I thought it looked a bit bizarre and surreal ;)

February 21, 2009

2009-02-21T20:01:00.002-07:00

Boulder Creek.

This creek runs through town and, for many parts of it, there is a bike/pedestrian path that follows it.

It is what I would consider the veins of the town, whereby, the Flatirons are the heart.

The creek has wonderful festivals next to it in spring and summer, people that travel down it on innertubes and kayaks, museums and teahouses that sit by it, and parks that line it.

We love the CREEK!

February 20, 2009

2009-02-20T09:16:00.002-07:00

The Falling leaves, drift by my window...

This is a sculpture by the Nature Conservancy and the leaves are made of copper (I think) - just love the delicate nature of it.

My internet connection is super spotty right now, so I am having a hard time getting online to post. Hope to be rocking and rolling again soon..

Happy Friday Everybody!!!!

February 17, 2009

2009-02-17T12:55:00.003-07:00

My Winter Window Garden.

Spring is around the corner (sort of), so I am getting

my plants ready in the kitchen window!

Dwarf sunflowers, purple basil and coleus are in production right now! It gives me joy, and my son a thrill, to see these fresh green sprouts when its still VERY MUCH Winter outside.

February 16, 2009

2009-02-16T16:28:00.003-07:00

Clean Eating Makes You Feel Good!

I went veggie shopping today and found some gorgeous organic things.

The more I eat "clean" the better I feel.

February 15, 2009

2009-02-15T15:12:00.002-07:00

Train kept a rollin' all night long.

Febrauary 14, 2009

2009-02-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

(saw this on the outside of our local Ethiopian Restaurant and
thought it would be nice for today. )

February 11, 2009

2009-02-11T14:21:00.001-07:00

Alleyway, Downtown Boulder

February 8, 2009

2009-02-08T17:42:00.003-07:00

Local Horse Farm.

(I have had a bad cold lately so I am sorry I haven't been posting as often as I would like. On the mend, back in the 'saddle' this week!)

February 2, 2009

2009-02-02T12:11:00.002-07:00

Our local headshop...

The name says it all. :)

February 1, 2009, City Daily Photo Theme Day: Paths and Passages

2009-02-01T11:37:00.004-07:00

Gateway Miniature Golf Course

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

January 31,2009

2009-01-31T14:52:00.004-07:00

Glider plane prepares for take-off.

One of the fun things you can do in Boulder is to take a ride in a Glider plane. They do not have engines. They glide! Its really quite an elegant site and when they are just overhead, all you hear is a swoosh noise.

The way they get up is by being pulled (you can see the tow rope on the front of this one) by a prop plane.

My son loves this. Its a regular sight around here to see the prop plane pulling a glider in the air and then to see the 'release' as the rope is dropped and the glider is left to its own accord.

This morning, my son asked if we could tie a piece of string between his two toy planes and go over to the airport to watch them taking off and landing. So we packed our lunch, parked and sat on the hood.

January 29, 2009

2009-01-29T11:59:00.000-07:00

A recent picture of a big wildfire we had
in Boulder. (I am posting every few days
right now. Will be back on DAILY very soon.)

January 26, 2009

2009-01-26T09:49:00.001-07:00

Sculpture on Pearl Street Mall

This pic is a couple of days old. We just got a winter storm in yesterday, so everything is covered in snow now. I like the casual pose this piece has. Makes me wish it were summer and a warm breeze was drifting by as I swing on a porch overlooking a long grassy field. (phew)

Instead its 9 degrees and snowing and I've got my wool socks and boots on!

January 23, 2009

2009-01-23T19:25:00.001-07:00

Making homemade pizza after school.

January 22, 2009

2009-01-22T20:29:00.003-07:00

Another quirky, funky house in Boulder.

Gotta love it...

January 21, 2009

2009-01-21T18:04:00.004-07:00

A cozy little French restaurant on Pearl Street.

I have not eaten there as it's quite pricey, but it looks like a proper place...The chef studied with Roger Verger.

Perhaps, one day I shall see if they have good Escarot...

January 20, 2009

2009-01-20T10:21:00.001-07:00

A new Era of Responsibility begins in the US

January 19, 2009

2009-01-19T15:42:00.004-07:00

Prairie Dog (Cynomys)

I saw this guy on my walk today, just a few blocks from my place.

In Boulder, there are MANY prairie dogs and they live in "towns" spread out across, often, many acres. They burrow and tunnel and build elaborate living quarters. They are also big talkers and often make a series of screeches and hollers as you pass by.

They are heavily protected by animal activists so they kind of get to do what they like. They aren't hurting a soul and are quite cute to look at when you are walking or running our Creek Path system.

January 18, 2009

2009-01-18T21:20:00.002-07:00

Inside a Cottonwood Tree.

The Cottonwood Trail.

January 16, 2009

2009-01-16T17:40:00.003-07:00

Peppercorn, Kitchen and Home Store

Pearl Street Mall

(this place is fantastic!)

January 15, 2009

2009-01-15T17:40:00.002-07:00

Highland School. c. 1892

9th and Arapahoe

This wonderful old school is now an office building. When I moved to Boulder, I lived down the street from this place and passed it several times a day. It has a peaceful vibe and has really lovely little gardens around it.

January 14, 2009

2009-01-14T13:43:00.002-07:00

Snowy tree at Chautauqua.

January 13, 2009

2009-01-13T18:57:00.003-07:00

I saw this at a Playground in Denver.

It's stark and dramatic image made me really think about

how sad I am that our oceans, rivers and lakes are so polluted.

Sorry for the Downer posting today....

January 12, 2009

2009-01-12T13:21:00.003-07:00

The "Frosted" Flatirons

We got an unexpected snowdump in the middle of the night ...

at least a half a foot of fresh powdery snow had fallen by sunrise.

I had to capture this shot as the Flatirons 'reign' over the town - some say they are magical rocks that attract people here with their energy.

I think they are such interesting formations to look at each day.

Also, a favorite desitination for rock climbers.

I was fortunate to be taken climbing on the second one

when I first moved out here, incredible views.

If you look at yesterday's pic you will see what a difference a day makes!

January 11, 2009

2009-01-11T10:57:00.003-07:00

Boulder Foothills and Local Farm, Sunday Morning

My son begged me for two things this morning: pancakes and a kite. After breakfast, we spent some time driving around Boulder looking for a kite. But to no avail....I don't think they sell them in the dead of winter.

I did, however, see this wonderful Boulder image

when were driving down South Boulder Road.

I love that we have so many working farms in the area!

We try to buy local when we can.

January 10, 2009

2009-01-10T19:35:00.003-07:00

My, most delicious, breakfast this morning.

Avocado and Bacon Omelette with Sour Cream/Green Onions,

Roasted Potatoes and Whole Wheat Toast with Butter.

Green Tea.

The Buff Restaurant

January 8, 2009

2009-01-08T19:47:00.003-07:00

A Boulder off Flagstaff Road.

The white chalk marks indicate people have been there "bouldering" - or climbing/hanging/practicing on the rock. Many boulderers bring a mat to soften the blow should they fall. In addition, they carry a small pouch of chalk to keep their hands dry as they climb.

It's a hell of a lot harder than you think! :)

January 7, 2009

2009-01-07T12:17:00.003-07:00

Wicked Landscapes series continues...

The Gremlin Rock.

Lost Gulch Overlook.

There is something about the winterscapes

that evoke stark, wicked imagery.

I saw this rock this morning and saw a little gremlin with a long droopy nose, deep set eyes and a big round belly.

The wind gusts were close to 50mile per hour and I was literally knocked down just after taking this shot!

January 6, 2009

2009-01-06T19:52:00.004-07:00

All in the Family

Hello from Washington's, Ft. Collins

January 5, 2009

2009-01-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

Wicked Branches.

Settlers Park.

January 4, 2009

2009-01-04T17:43:00.002-07:00

Islands Burgers.

A fun place to take your kids for fish tacos, cold beer and surfing/climbing videos.

January 3, 2009

2009-01-03T14:16:00.003-07:00

Great Harvest Bread Company.

January 1, 2009

2009-01-01T12:41:00.002-07:00

Toddler awaits his pancakes after a chilly morning hike.

The Merc, Jamestown.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

December 31, 2008

2008-12-31T16:07:00.002-07:00

The view from my hike to the top of Green Mountain today.

Ahhhhhh.......

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

December 30, 2008

2008-12-30T15:23:00.004-07:00

Back Alley Entrance to Sushi Zanmai

This is considered by many to be the best sushi in Boulder. (I agree!)

This is the drawing on the wall next to the

service entrance facing the back alley.

December 29, 2008

2008-12-29T10:19:00.004-07:00

The Duschanbe Tea House, Boulder

My oasis in the midst of a snowy winter!

This is a tea house, built (hand carved and painted) for Boulder by our sister city in Tajikstan. We gave them a cyber cafe to return the favor.

This place features gorgeous and

rare teas and a menu filled with lots of yummy food.

Its the first place I ate at when I came to visit Boulder. After a good meal, I said, "That's it. I am moving here." Five years later, I now take my son here for breakfast.

Question of the day:

What is your oasis in your town??

December 28, 2008

2008-12-28T16:09:00.004-07:00

Fresh Flowers from the Whole Foods Market.

My favorite place to shop in town is a wonderful organic grocery store chain with amazing food and beautiful flowers.

On Christmas Eve, the store played "Checkout Bingo" - if they drew the number of the lane you were in, you won your groceries for the day. They always feature gorgeous food for samplings - cheese, seafood, fruit. Yum!

Question of the day:

Where do you shop for your food?

What is is like?

December 23, 2008

2008-12-23T19:30:00.008-07:00

New York Botanic Gardens Holiday Train Show

Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty

Gorgeous and so much fun! At the Gardens each December they set up an intricate maze of miniature trains and replicas of Manhattan and Hudson River Buildings. All the buildings are made by one man and use only natural things such as twigs, leaves, etc.

An annual tradition that is worth a trip.

December 20, 2008

2008-12-20T11:28:00.002-07:00

Rockefeller Center. Midtown. New York City.

December 19, 2008

2008-12-19T13:55:00.003-07:00

The Whitney Museum, New York City

I am NYC this week visiting friends.

There is a Calder exhibit at the Whitney that has children going nuts. I took my 3 year old who loved it.

December 17, 2008

2008-12-17T15:23:00.003-07:00

This guy greets you as you enter a store near Boulder.

Yikes.

He makes me think about our current economic crisis.

Kind of bear-like to say the least.

***I am off to New York City for 5 days of fun. I love that town and know it well so I just may be posting from there.

If not, I will be back in the saddle on Dec 24th.***

Until then....:)

December 16, 2008

2008-12-16T17:29:00.002-07:00

Mural on the wall of the bar/restaurant,

The Sink.

An institution in Boulder and a fine place for a beer and a delicious meal. The walls are covered in the most amazing mural that goes on and on...

People write their names on the ceiling of the bar as well. Lots to look at when you are having a beer at this place!

A cool place for sure and super nice people.

Sits on "The Hill", right next to the

University of Colorado campus.

December 15, 2008

2008-12-15T16:04:00.003-07:00

A frosty day in Boulder.

December 14, 2008

2008-12-14T17:01:00.001-07:00

An architecture firm in town.

Bitterly cold and snowy today.

Shot this from the warmth of my car!

December 13, 2008

2008-12-13T15:32:00.002-07:00

Gateway Park Fun Center, Boulder

Race cars, miniature golf, games, outdoor hockey

December 9, 2008

2008-12-09T17:18:00.001-07:00

Lunch time. Taken from my Home Office.

December 7, 2008

2008-12-07T20:12:00.003-07:00

sunday afternoon.

Child runs across the grasses in front of the Flatirons.

December 6, 2008

2008-12-06T16:51:00.002-07:00

A home in the Whittier Neighborhood.

Today was the annual Historic Homes Tour.

This one of the private homes on the tour.

December 5, 2008

2008-12-05T14:55:00.001-07:00

Window Shopping 2. Bass Pro Shop.

December 4, 2008

2008-12-04T16:54:00.003-07:00

Window Shopping. Apple Store.

December 3, 2008

2008-12-03T15:42:00.004-07:00

Painting on the back of a park bench.

Today is dreary, cold and snowy. Thought I would brighten up a bit with this cheery painting on the back of a park bench. This looks a lot like the surrounding areas at the height of summer.

Snow is coming tonight...brrrrr

December 2, 2008

2008-12-02T18:31:00.001-07:00

December 1, 2008

2008-12-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

Circles/Spheres Theme Day: Sculpture in local park

November 27, 2008

2008-11-27T20:51:00.002-07:00

My Kitchen - before I cooked the Thanksgiving Feast for the Day.

November 26, 2008

2008-11-26T17:03:00.000-07:00

November 25, 2008

2008-11-25T17:22:00.003-07:00

The Hill is a part of Boulder where the University of Colorado campus sits. Its full of students and thrives with their energy.

November 24, 2008

2008-11-24T21:47:00.004-07:00

Victorian staircase, University of Colorado Campus

November 23, 2008

2008-11-23T18:43:00.001-07:00

November 22, 2008

2008-11-22T17:29:00.004-07:00

I spent the day in Ft Collins, CO where this fine brew is made.

The local brewery was started by a guy who spent a summer riding his mountain bike (fat tires) through Belgium. He returned to the US and started brewing in his basement. Today, its a very popular ale served in many bars/pubs.

November 21, 2008

2008-11-21T17:17:00.002-07:00

Mountain Lion

(this one is no longer with us)

These guys live in the hills and mountains just above town. Occasionally someone spots one in their backyard. Yikes!

November 20, 2008

2008-11-20T11:34:00.003-07:00

"Buck Shot"

Guest Photographer: Shawn C of Boulder

He came upon this Buck when setting out for a hike near the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder.

November 19, 2008

2008-11-19T19:20:00.002-07:00

Evening.

November 18, 2008

2008-11-18T19:41:00.002-07:00

This is painted on the side of a building in Downtown Boulder.

Boulder is home to many world-class runners and has an active running community.

November 17, 2008

2008-11-17T18:39:00.001-07:00

November 16, 2008

2008-11-16T20:30:00.003-07:00

En Plein Air on a Sunday Afternoon on a trail in East Boulder....

November 15, 2008

2008-11-15T16:18:00.002-07:00

Scott Carpenter Park - a cool playground with great views...

November 14, 2008

2008-11-14T14:14:00.004-07:00

A civilized lunch.

Rainbow trout on spinach and lentils

from Brasserie Ten Ten in Boulder.

November 13, 2008

2008-11-13T18:51:00.002-07:00

(Brunette)

Sure the benefits and pay are good, but the hours are killing me...

Oh, to be a real person outside the glass...to walk, to dine, to laugh...

This sweater is itchy..

I see a cute guy over there - he's posing in the surf shop window--

they should turn him my way...

hum...

(Blonde)

Oh, you don't want to mess with him, he used to work at the Gap - all the other mannequins could not stand him.

Talked constantly. Never shut up. You know.

(Brunette)

Oh.

How about that Santa Claus over there at the kitchenware store?

He seems sensitive and jolly.

November 12, 2008

2008-11-12T15:06:00.004-07:00

Spyder is an outdoor/skiwear company in Boulder.

They make some very sharp stuff.

Love their logo, too.

November 11, 2008

2008-11-11T17:27:00.000-07:00

To those who have served...I thank you.

November 10, 2008

2008-11-10T19:15:00.003-07:00

Today was one of those ho-hum overcast, chilly Mondays....Not a whole lot to write home about..but even in winter, the homes in Boulder stand out.

November 9, 2008

2008-11-09T19:00:00.004-07:00

A toddler awaits his pancakes after a frosty morning

hike along the Ceran St. Vrain Trail.

The Merc, Jamestown, CO

November 8, 2008

2008-11-08T14:14:00.002-07:00

A Climber's Gallery

This gear belongs to a true blue rock climbing Boulderite.

He hikes up and over and bushwacks his way through...

Looking for one of many interesting courses

up and over the beautiful rocks in Boulder.

No soft "bankers hands" on this guy.

November 7, 2008

2008-11-07T14:20:00.002-07:00

November 6, 2008

2008-11-06T08:57:00.002-07:00

Winter is peering it's frosty head around the corner...

I'm coming, get ready...

November 5, 2008

2008-11-05T08:49:00.002-07:00

Phew. Not a minute too soon. Go-Bama! Go-America!

November 4, 2008

2008-11-04T14:18:00.002-07:00

Patiently awaiting the US Presidential Election results...

Om Shanthi.....